F1 World Grand Prix

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Our preview has been updated with new high res gameplay and car shots.

By IGN Staff

Like it or loathe it, there's no escaping the fact that Formula 1 is one of the most popular sports in the world today. The likes of Eddie Irvine, Mika Hakkinen and Michael Schumacher are no doubt making millions every year, proving that there's more than enough money to be had in this frighteningly fast event. Of course, game companies aren't stupid, and know only too well that there's a big enough market of fans to cater to in the realm of F1-based games. This is where developers Video Systems come in. Having produced the first product to carry the official license of the FIA for the Super Nintendo back in 1991, they're back again to dominate the Formula 1 scene on the Dreamcast with F1 World Grand Prix.

Of course, with only Monaco Grand Prix 2 currently available, there's little competition to tackle in the F1 racing genre. While Ubisoft's racer was most definitely a realistic replica of the sport, F1WGP contains something Monaco 2 lacked, an official license. Hoping to set new standards with this increasingly popular genre, Video Systems has included all the liveries of the 22 F1 cars and drivers, all circuits and data as well as scenarios from the 1998 season. To provide the ultimate experience however, top notch graphics are vital to the game's potential success.

In addition to a brand new physics engine which promises to fully exploit Sega's machine, Formula 1 World Grand Prix offers fully modeled cars and tracks, artificial intelligence that recreates each racer's driving style, advanced telemetry readouts to assist qualifying and race performance (flag waving, chants and jeers), full 3D cockpit with 2 virtual views, a rendered introduction, winning/loosing sequences and pit stops. The only thing the developers will be leaving out is pop up, which will be eliminated by what's known as "occlusion culling"! The above facts may all sound well and good, but if you take a look at the screenshots provided, you'll get a better idea of exactly what to expect. The level of detail included is extremely impressive, looking better than any other Formula 1 title we've ever witnessed. At 60 frames per second, it'll certainly be a smooth runner.

As we only know too well though, graphics and an official license certainly don't make a game, which is why Video Systems has packaged in a plethora of modes to keep fans entertained. The mandatory Grand Prix mode is present, along with Time Trial, Exhibition, Match Race and Single Race. Technical racing heads will also be kept busy, as they can change almost everything about their car! Steering sensitivity, fuel quantity, tire type, front and rear wing angles, gear ratios and suspension settings can all be configured to suit the skill of the player and the chosen circuit.

Should Video Systems manage to get the handling just right, we could be looking at the definitive Formula 1 game to date, topping Bizarre Creation's fantastic Playstation incarnations. Currently scheduled for European release in November, it's possible that the game could fall back into December, due to last minute tweaks; an American release is currently under consideration, although nothing's been confirmed. We'll be getting our hands on a near complete version of the title within the next couple of weeks, so keep your eyes peeled for full impressions on how Formula 1 World Grand Prix handles, along with a ton of screenshots and video footage to boot.